icknamed the Department of Readingís ďchair,Ē
secretary Mary Unser began her relationship with the University
in 1965 in the Research Foundation. She moved to the state payroll as
a stenographer in the biology department in 1969 before joining the reading
department as a stenographer in 1972. Unser serves as the office manager
along with her duties as secretary to the department chair and faculty.

Among Unserís duties are maintaining student and department
files, assigning faculty advisers, and assisting with the registration
process. She tracks all graduate admissions, advises the chair when applications
are up or down, and makes sure applicants receive the appropriate response
before following up on all correspondence. Unser also hands out welcome
packets once a student is admitted.

Unser is a problem solver who handles primary advisement
of masterís degree students. She developed a database to monitor student
progress and provided a solution to problems arising from the new telephone
registration systemís approval codes. Unser also developed waiting lists
for over-subscribed courses and advises the department when there is sufficient
demand for additional sections.

Her competent, caring, and thoughtful manner kept the
department grounded as the workplace changed with the introduction of
technology.